Teenage drug use — a study of drug use patterns and attitudes of a subgroup of Sydney adolescents

Abstract

During October, 1986, a survey of the recreational drug using habits of 1,071 youths aged between 15 and 18 years was conducted in the streets of Sydney. To be included in the study, the youths had to have used at least one of the following drugs within the previous month: amphetamines, cocaine, hallucinogens, designer drugs, tranquillisers, barbiturates, opioids or inhalants. This paper reports upon the drug use behaviours, intentions and attitudes of these odolescents. Analyses indicated that clear subgroups of drug users exist: stimulant users, sedative users and opioid users. Furthermore, a concern with “controlled” drug use was evident amongst the sampled youths.

Keywords:

• Substance abuse
• amphetamines
• cocaine
• hallucinogens
• tranquilizing agents
• barbiturates
• narcotics
• adolescence
• Sydney

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Catherine J. Reilly

Both authors formerly Public Health Officers, Eastern Sydney Area Public Health Unit Previously general practitioner, Orange NSW, Australia.